OUR FISH SUPPLY.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXII, Issue 5197, 17 November 1877, Page 2 (Supplement)

OUR FISH SUPPLY.

It has often been the subject of complaint in Wellington that although an abundant supply of fish could be obtained close at hand, yet that wholesome article of food is much more scarce and dear than it ought to be. The same complaint has existed for a long time in Melbourne, but there something is being done to remedy it. A company has been started for the purpose of supplying,fish to the Melbourne public in large quantities and at reasonable prices. The project, which is launched under the title of the Victorian Fishing Associatim, will have a capital of, £20,000, in 10,000 shares of £2 each. It is intended, iu the first instance, to purchase a steamer, fitted with a fish well, twelve fishing boats, three hundred fish baskets, twenty-four lobster cribs, six sieve nets, and rations for one mouth for thirty-six men. The outfit complete will entail an expenditure of £4OOO. The contractors undertake to form selling agencies in the principal markets in the colony, and to conduct the business for one-fourth the net profits for the term of six months, which, if found advantageous to the company, will be continued. Under the company’s arrangements fish will be sold iu Melbourne at a fixed rate for the ordinary kinds of about 2d. a pound. To carry out this arrangement it is intended to establish twelve fishing parties, on various fishing grounds, known to be remunerative, within easy distance, so that a rapid steamer will be able to collect the fish and bring them alive in the well to market daily. The shares will be payable—ss. deposit, ss. allotment, and two calls at ss. each, at one and two months after date 6f registration. The small amount of the shares, and the handsome profits that are sure to accrue if the objects of the company are carried out iu their integrity, should ensure the rapid subscription, of the necessary capital to float the scheme, and so break up the dealers’ “ ring” that at present places so much wholesome food out of the reach of the ordinary consumer. , ,